Mackinac Bridge to be bathed in blue for autism

Mar. 31, 2013

Mackinac Bridge / Associated Press

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Associated Press

The Mackinac Bridge will be lit blue at sundown Tuesday and continue to be illuminated at night for the entire month as part of an autism awareness campaign.

The Mackinac Bridge Authority is working with several corporations and organizations for "Light It Blue Michigan." All costs are paid by private donations.

The campaign begins at 6 p.m. with a public ceremony at the Kewadin Casino in St. Ignace, on the north side of the bridge that connects Michigan's two peninsulas. Speakers include Lt. Gov. Brian Calley, who has a daughter with autism.

It's part of a national campaign that includes bathing the White House and Empire State Building in blue.

Autism affects people's ability to communicate and socialize. More than 50,000 people in Michigan have autism, including about 16,000 children.